At a Glance

As one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the Panama Canal is a technological marvel. Massive locks raise and lower like a toy, hiking 900-foot ships up and over an 85-foot hill – a feat few believed was possible. Sail along the tropical shores of Central America, stopping at vibrant port cities to learn about commerce, culture and natural wonders on excursions led by experts. Then experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of crossing from the Atlantic to the Pacific through the Panama Canal itself.

Best of all, you'll ...

Glide through the Panama Canal in an unforgettable journey, passing enormous lakes and manmade valleys along the way.

Explore the colonial town of Granada (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and discover the Casa de los Tres Mundos — a cultural center celebrating various forms of visual arts, music and theater.

Take an easy-paced walk along the winding streets of Cartagena, Colombia with an architect to study the different types of construction utilized by the Spaniards. Discover the largest military fortresses to be built in Latin America and the former dungeons-turned-markets of Las Bóvedas.

Suggested Reading List

View 20 books

The Path Between the Seas

by David McCullough

A great story, admirably told in vivid, page-turning detail, this is the one book to read on the creation of the Panama Canal.

Oaxaca Journal

by Oliver Sacks

Talented essayist and neurologist Oliver Sacks shows his wide-ranging intellectual curiosity in this transporting tale, interweaving observations and travels with history, nature and culture of Oaxaca.

The Robber of Memories, A River Journey Through Colombia

by Michael Jacobs

Inspired by a chance encounter with Gabriel Garcia Marquez in Cartagena, the adventurous Michael Jabobs travels to Baranquilla to journey 1,000 miles across western Colombia on the great Magdalena, the "river of our lives." He captures the conflicts, troubled past and spirit of isolated communities along the way.

The Ladies of Managua

by Eleni N. Gage

This intimate novel captures the lives of three women -- and three generations of life in Nicaragua. When Maria Vazquez returns to the country for her grandfather’s funeral, her arrival reignites age-old struggles with her mother and grandmother. All three confront their complicated, passionate relationships with each other and their native country.

Eyewitness Top Ten Los Angeles

by Eyewitness Guides

A shirt-pocket guide to Los Angeles, this slim book includes an excellent map of the center of the city and essential information on its highlights.

The Snorkeller's Guide to the Coral Reef, From the Red Sea to the Pacific Ocean

by Paddy Ryan

This take-along guide covers coral reefs, fish, invertebrates and plants of the Indo-Pacific and includes 200 color photographs.

Rushdie's account of visit to the country at the height of the Contra war goes underneath the headlines. It's a cultural portrait -- simple, straightforward and "written with a novelist's eye for irony," according to the New York Times.

Empire's Crossroads, A History of the Caribbean from Columbus to the Present Day

by Carrie Gibson

A scholarly, readable history of the entire Caribbean from Cuba to Haiti, Jamaica to Trinidad. Gibson begins in 1492 and ends in the 20th century, covering five centuries with panache.

Liberators, Latin America's Struggle for Independence 1810-1830

by Robert Harvey

Focused on the heroism and derring-do of seven legendary men, Harvey tells the story of Simon Bolivar, General Jose de San Martin and other greats in the fight for independence.

The Turks and Caicos Islands

by Julia and Phil Davies

Julia and Phil Davies capture the coral reefs and fishes, beaches, nature and history fo the islands in this handsome photographic portrait.

Culture Smart! Mexico

by Sian Hughes

A concise, no-nonsense guide to local customs, etiquette and culture with a short overview of the land and people along with practical travel advice.

Love in the Time of Cholera

by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Edith Grossman (Translator)

A glorious tale of great love consummated after fifty years, nine months and four days, memorably set in a dusty 19th-century town on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

The Penguin History of Latin America

by Edwin Williamson

Beginning with the Spanish conquest, this brisk history covers questions of empire, colonialism and nationalism through the 1980s.

Portrait of the Panama Canal, from Construction to the Twenty-First Century

by William Friar

Featuring 60 color and 10 archival images, this photo-essay includes contemporary and archival photographs of the Panama Canal as well as a short history.

California the Beautiful

by Galen Rowell (Photographer)

Rowell's exquisite photographs are accompanied by excerpts from Joan Didion, M.F.K. Fisher, Jack London, William Saroyan and many other luminaries in this celebration of the nature and spirit of California.

Acclaimed essayist Jon Didion looks to Miami in this book of astute commentary. The drug war, Cuba, political scandals and race relations all find their way into this trenchant examination of a completely unique American city.

Infinite City, A San Francisco Atlas

by Rebecca Solnit

Solnit's quirky collection of maps documents the cultural riches and diversity of San Francisco.

Culture Smart! Colombia

by Kate Cathey

A concise and practical guide to local customs, etiquette and culture.

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. All routes, field trips, and excursions are subject to change as weather and sea conditions may affect the itinerary. Sea conditions could affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of field trips and excursions without prior notice

Afternoon: Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. In addition to lectures and field trips exclusively for our Road Scholar group, you are invited to take advantage of activities and events aboard ship that are separate from the Road Scholar program.

Dinner: At the hotel, we will enjoy a welcome dinner including a salad, entrée, side dishes, with coffee, tea, water included. Other beverages will be available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

2

Free Time, Embark Ship

Crystal Symphony

B,L,D

Crystal Symphony

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. The time available in each port is set by the cruise line. Whenever possible, the Road Scholar daily schedule indicates port arrival and departure times (subject to change by the cruise line). Road Scholar delivers a robust educational program in each port, and this may mean that free time in port is limited.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a breakfast buffet including hot and cold dishes, pastries, juices, coffee, tea, and water.

Morning: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. After meeting back at the hotel late morning, we will transfer by motorcoach to the port to embark our ship.

Lunch: On board, we’ll enjoy a variety of dining styles from several restaurants including appetizers, salads, pasta, sandwiches, and hot dishes, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Free time to explore the ship.

Dinner: We’ll join our study leader for a group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room, featuring choices of appetizer, soup, salad, pasta, main course, side dish, and dessert. Coffee, tea, water included. Other beverages are available for purchase.

Breakfast: On board in the Crystal Dining Room (open seating) or the more casual Lido Café, we can choose between eggs and other hot dishes, granola, fresh fruit, and more. Coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase. Room Service is also available 24 hours a day.

Morning: We will join our study leader for an exclusive, educational on-board presentation.

Lunch: On board the ship, we’ll enjoy our choice of meal in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, featuring plated and buffet options.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Crystal Dining Room group dinner.

Evening: At leisure to enjoy the ship’s activities.

DAY

4

Grand Cayman, George Town, British West Indies, Free Time

Crystal Symphony

B,L,D

Crystal Symphony

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach.

Breakfast: Crystal Dining Room or Lido Café meal.

Morning: After disembarking, we will explore Grand Cayman with a local expert offering insight into the history and culture of this island.

Lunch: On board the ship, we’ll enjoy our choice of meal in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, featuring plated and buffet options.

Afternoon: Free time. The ship will depart at 5:00 p.m.

Dinner: Crystal Dining Room group dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

5

At Sea: Cruising the Caribbean Sea

Crystal Symphony

B,L,D

Crystal Symphony

Activity note: Full day aboard the ship.

Breakfast: Crystal Dining Room or Lido Café meal.

Morning: We will join our study leader for an exclusive, educational on-board presentation.

Lunch: On board the ship, we’ll enjoy our choice of meal in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, featuring plated and buffet options.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the ship's activities and amenities.

Dinner: Crystal Dining Room group dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

6

Cartagena-Colombia

Crystal Symphony

B,L,D

Crystal Symphony

Breakfast: Crystal Dining Room or Lido Café meal.

Morning: We’ll drive from the pier to the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, passing the old residential area of Manga to admire this Moorish/Republican neighborhood. We’ll stop for a photo opportunity at the fortress, the largest military construction to be built in Latin America by the Spaniards. We’ll then head towards the dungeons, or Las Bovedas, used as handicrafts shops. As we walk along the colonial streets, an expert architect will point out and discuss different types of construction utilized by the Spaniards. Before re-embarking for lunch, we’ll have some free time to enjoy this lively city, with its students, vendors, and all the people that live here.

Lunch: On board the ship, we’ll enjoy our choice of meal in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, featuring plated and buffet options.

Afternoon: Free time. The ship will depart at 3:00 p.m.

Dinner: Crystal Dining Room group dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

7

Transit the Panama Canal, Gatun Lake

Crystal Symphony

B,L,D

Crystal Symphony

Activity note: Full day aboard the ship.

Breakfast: Crystal Dining Room or Lido Café meal.

Morning: We’ll spend an unforgettable day cruising the Panama Canal, a 51-mile waterway through the rainforest that is one of the world's engineering masterpieces. The ship glides down the canal with inches to spare, through locks that raise and lower it like a toy. Along the way it crosses enormous Gatun Lake, and the amazing Gaillard Cut, blasted out of a solid mountainside.

Lunch: On board the ship, we’ll enjoy our choice of meal in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, featuring plated and buffet options.

Afternoon: Transiting the Panama Canal is a unique experience shared with the entire ship. We’ll spend the day on deck, watching the ship transit through the locks the enormous “Panamax” ships. Ship board lecturers will teach us about the history and politics behind this engineering marvel.

Dinner: Crystal Dining Room group dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

8

At Sea: Cruising Coast of Costa Rica

Crystal Symphony

B,L,D

Crystal Symphony

Activity note: Full day aboard the ship.

Breakfast: Crystal Dining Room or Lido Café meal.

Morning: We will join our study leader for an exclusive, educational on-board presentation.

Lunch: On board the ship, we’ll enjoy our choice of meal in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, featuring plated and buffet options.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the ship's activities and amenities.

Dinner: Crystal Dining Room group dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

9

San Juan del Sur-Nicaragua, Granada, Free Time

Crystal Symphony

B,L,D

Crystal Symphony

Breakfast: Crystal Dining Room or Lido Café meal.

Morning: Today’s full-day exploration will begin with a 90-minute drive by motorcoach from San Juan del Sur to the colonial town of Granada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with commentary from a local expert. Upon arrival, we will proceed to the town’s Parque Central to explore the city’s vibrant colonial architecture, especially the town’s many churches. We will visit the Convent San Francisco, full of treasures of pre-Colombian statues and artwork. To top off our exploration of the local art scene, we will visit Casa de los Tres Mundos, a cultural and arts organization that promotes various forms from visual arts, music and theatre.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated lunch, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Morning: From the ship, we will transfer by motorcoach to Antigua, founded in the 16th century and once the capital of Guatemala. It survived centuries of natural disasters including floods and volcanic eruptions until it was finally destroyed in 1773, after which the capital was moved to Guatemala City. However, many old ruins still remain.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time. The ship will set sail at 8:00 p.m.

Dinner: Crystal Dining Room group dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

12

Cruising the Coast of Central America

Crystal Symphony

B,L,D

Crystal Symphony

Activity note: Full day aboard the ship.

Breakfast: Crystal Dining Room or Lido Café meal.

Morning: We will join our study leader for an exclusive, educational on-board presentation.

Lunch: On board the ship, we’ll enjoy our choice of meal in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, featuring plated and buffet options.

Afternoon: Free time aboard the ship.

Dinner: Crystal Dining Room group dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

13

Huatulco-Mexico, Free Time

Crystal Symphony

B,L,D

Crystal Symphony

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach.

Breakfast: Crystal Dining Room or Lido Café meal.

Morning: After disembarking, we’ll transfer to Copalita archaeological site, where local experts will explain the history of this unique cultural icon and the fascinating mysteries surrounding the settlement of these people. The site is on the margins of the Copalita River, known for its incredible nature and bird watching opportunities. We’ll also visit a local church prior to returning to the port.

Lunch: On board the ship, we’ll enjoy our choice of meal in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, featuring plated and buffet options.

Afternoon: Free time. The ship departs at 5:00 p.m.

Dinner: Crystal Dining Room group dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

14

Cruising the Coast of Central America

Crystal Symphony

B,L,D

Crystal Symphony

Activity note: Full day aboard the ship.

Breakfast: Crystal Dining Room or Lido Café meal.

Morning: We will join our study leader for an exclusive, educational on-board presentation.

Lunch: On board the ship, we’ll enjoy our choice of meal in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, featuring plated and buffet options.

Afternoon: Free time aboard the ship.

Dinner: Crystal Dining Room group dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

15

Puerto Vallarta-Mexico, Cooking Class, Free Time

Crystal Symphony

B,L,D

Crystal Symphony

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach.

Breakfast: Crystal Dining Room or Lido Café meal.

Morning: After we disembark the ship, we will transfer by motorcoach to the food market with our local guide where we will select fresh produce and other ingredients to prepare traditional Mexican food. We’ll then transfer to a local restaurant where our cooking class will begin. When we’re finished, we will have the opportunity to sample the dishes we created while a local mariachi band plays.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we will enjoy our culinary creations, with coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We will visit the Cabo San Lucas Marina. Upon arrival, we will board a glass bottom boat and visit Pelican Rock, the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, Lover’s Beach, and the sea lion colony. Our next stop will be at the glass-blowing factory, where we’ll learn about the artistic handwork of factory workers and appreciate the art work they do. We will also visit the oldest hotel of Los Cabos with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, and enjoy an awesome view of a dolphin aquarium and the city.

Lunch: On board the ship, we’ll enjoy our choice of meal in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, featuring plated and buffet options.

Afternoon: Free time. The ship sails at 5:00 p.m.

Dinner: Crystal Dining Room group dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

17

Cruising the Coast of Mexico

Crystal Symphony

B,L,D

Crystal Symphony

Activity note: Full day aboard the ship.

Breakfast: Crystal Dining Room or Lido Café meal.

Morning: We will join our study leader for an exclusive, educational on-board presentation.

Lunch: On board the ship, we’ll enjoy our choice of meal in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, featuring plated and buffet options.

Afternoon: Free time aboard the ship.

Dinner: Crystal Dining Room group dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

18

San Diego-California, Free Time

Crystal Symphony

B,L,D

Crystal Symphony

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach.

Breakfast: Crystal Dining Room or Lido Café meal.

Morning: After arrival in San Diego, we’ll disembark and explore the Old Town on an exclusive narrated walk of Old Town State Park, which will illuminate life in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821 to 1872.

Lunch: On board the ship, we’ll enjoy our choice of meal in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, featuring plated and buffet options.

Afternoon: Free time. The ship remains in port overnight.

Dinner: Crystal Dining Room group dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

19

San Diego’s Little Italy, Free Time

Crystal Symphony

B,L,D

Crystal Symphony

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach. Walking through the city.

Breakfast: Crystal Dining Room or Lido Café meal.

Morning: We will depart by motorcoach to Little Italy, where we will experience San Diego's rich Genoese and Sicilian history on an exclusive expert-led walking exploration. Little Italy today represents downtown San Diego's oldest continuous neighborhood business district.

Lunch: On board the ship, we’ll enjoy our choice of meal in the Crystal Dining Room, the Lido Café, or the Trident Grill, featuring plated and buffet options.

Afternoon: Free time. The ship sets sail at 6:00 p.m.

Dinner: Crystal Dining Room group dinner.

Evening: We’ll meet with our study leader to discuss our final thoughts about the program.

DAY

20

Program Concludes

Crystal Symphony

B

Activity note: Disembark by 10:00 a.m. 1 hour transfer to LAX.

Breakfast: Crystal Dining Room or Lido Café meal.

Morning: We will disembark the ship and transfer to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for flights returning to your gateway city. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

55 Meals

19 Breakfasts

17 Lunches

19 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Salt, Low Fat

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

With her sleek silhouette and shimmering elegance, the legendary Crystal Symphony finds a natural home in the world's most glamorous harbors and idyllic ports of call. Generous per-passenger space ratios have become a Crystal trademark, along with forward-facing observation decks, a Palm Court lounge, and a wide teak promenade encircling the ship. A makeover in 2006 refreshed the Bistro Café and shops, reconstructed the casino and Starlite Lounge, and added a new nightclub called Luxe. An even more extensive refurbishment in 2009 transformed the Crystal Penthouses, Lido Café, and Prego Italian restaurant. Accented by a lovely waterfall, the focal point of the central two-deck atrium is a sculpture of two ballet dancers created especially for the space. Crystal Cove, the lobby lounge, is the spot to meet for cocktails as you make your way to the nearby dining room. Throughout the ship, public rooms shine with low-key contemporary style and flow easily from one to the next.